The correlation between self-care and quality of life of older people in Pol-e Dokhtar City during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background
The outbreak of COVID-19 reduced social interactions and access to healthcare centers, affecting older people’s self-care ability and quality of life. Low quality of life was associated with a higher mortality rate in older people with COVID-19; thus, large measures should be taken in this field.

Objectives
The present study aimed to determine the correlation between self-care at home and older people’s quality of life in Pol-e Dokhtar City during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and methods
The present cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted by random sampling on 300 older people in Pol-e Dokhtar City. Three questionnaires acquired the data: the demographic information questionnaire, the standard older people self-care questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire, which were analyzed using SPSS 22 software.

Results
The total self-care score was low, and older age was associated with decreased self-care and quality of life. An increased education level enhanced the levels of self-care and quality of life. The psychological and social self-care scores were directly associated with the rise in the quality of life score. The use of insurance increased self-care and quality of life. Retired older people had higher self-care, but employed older people had a higher quality of life.

Conclusions
Variables such as psychological and social self-care could predict older people’s quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, educational interventions, social-cultural and recreational sports activities and spiritual, material and emotional support should be done to improve older people’s self-care and quality of life.